See & Do / Fishing / Sport fishing
Cobourg Peninsular
The Cobourg Peninsula is located on the north-west tip of Arnhem Land, boasting saltwater creeks, estuaries, reefs and open sea, making the possibilities endless for all kinds of fishing, but especially sports fishing. Over 250 recorded species of fish make Cobourg the closest any fisherman will get to a sure thing.
Queenfish
A real tropical speedster, the queenfish (or Queenie as it is known locally) grows to more than 15 kilograms, but is more commonly caught at up to 6 kilograms. Queenies are an excellent fighting fish showing lots of aggression, and are capable of amazing speed, making spectacular jumps when hooked.
Giant Trevally
The ‘GT’ can weigh up to 40 kilograms but are most commonly caught at 2-10 kilograms. There are few better fishing experiences than seeing a GT slam a fast-retrieved surface lure, but be aware these strikes are usually followed by a dive for the seabed, where lines can be severed on reef outcrops.
Spanish Mackerel
‘Spaniards’ are great fighters with sizzling speed, and are wonderful on lighter tackle. They are available all around the Northern Territory coast and close to Darwin where a known hotspot is Lee Point just 10 minutes from the Nightcliff boat ramp. Fish of more than 12 kilograms are common, with 40 kilograms monsters also caught each year.
Gove Peninsula & Arnhem Land
Fishing the waters of the Arafura Sea is thrilling and never crowded. The unique location and clear blue water offer some of the best sport fishing in the Northern Territory. Nhulunbuy on the Gove Peninsula provides access to many offshore islands and top fishing spots.
Prepare for the fight of your life - sport fishing in the Northern Territory is not for the faint hearted.
The Northern Territory’s blue water is home to some of the most aggressive predators and gutsy fighters in the sea.
Sport fishing targets bigger fish that favour deeper water and these fish are tireless fighters. The goal of sport fishing is to catch them using tackle that is light enough to give the fish a chance to escape unharmed – increasing the challenge for the angler.
The Northern Territory’s Timor and Arafura Seas are hot spots for this type of fishing. From Darwin anglers can launch their boat or join a fishing tour to places like Bynoe Harbour, where giant trevally (GT), queenfish, tuna and mackerel are some of the targeted species.
One of the Northern Territory’s best sports fishing destinations is remote Arnhem Land. Fishing charters are the best way to experience this region and they leave from Gove Peninsula in North East Arnhem Land, the Cobourg Peninsula and Maningrida.
Off the coast of Gove Peninsula anglers can catch barracuda, sailfish and marlin – the ultimate sports fish that put up a thrilling fight. Queenfish, mackerel, trevally and cobia are some of the other angling challenges for sport fishers in this area.
The Cobourg Peninsula, including Croker Island, is also another hot spot as are Groote Eylandt and throughout the Gulf of Carpentaria.
